PETALING JAYA: The Transport Ministry seeks to speed up the amendment of the Road Transport Act or Act 333 to impose heavier punishment for offenders involved in drugs or alcohol or reckless driving.

       Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said the issue of road safety is very important as the roads in the country needed to be safe for drivers from all religion, race or background.

       "However we not only do not want to punish traffic offenders, but we also want to promote advocacy. Because through this approach, we can educate road users to be more cautious, love themselves and love those around them.

       "Various efforts were made in streamlining advocacy programmes throughout the country, especially involving commercial vehicles, including lorries, buses and trailers.

       "Among them is the Safety Awareness and Focused Advocacy for Road Users (Safer) programme," he said in a Facebook post on Sunday (Feb 27).

       He added that so far, a total of 75 programmes have been conducted under Safer.

       Earlier, Dr Wee had attended a road safety awareness campaign programme organised by the Johor Rock Materials Truck Operators Association.

       He said that since he took over as minister, road safety aspects have been his main focus.